Golf swing training apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A golf swing training apparatus comprising: a first attachment means; a first cord with a first end and a second end, the first end of the first cord attached to the first attachment means; a bite piece attached to the second end of the first cord; a first releasable connector attached to the second end of the first cord; a second releasable connector configured to releasably attach to the first releasable connector; a second cord, with a first end and a second end, the first end of the second cord attached to the second releasable connector; a retractable and extendible cord attached to the second end of the second cord; a lockable retractor in operable communication with the retractable and extendible cord; a second attachment means attached to the lockable retractor. A method of using a golf swing training apparatus, the method comprising: attaching a first attachment means to a user&#39;s shirt; attaching a second attachment means to the user&#39;s waistband or belt; biting down on the bite piece; connecting a first releasable connector to a second releasable connector; adjusting the length of a first cord and a second cord so that golf swing training apparatus is at a proper tautness so that if the user&#39;s head moves excessively during a golf swing the first and second releasable connectors disconnect, thereby indicating to the user that his or her head moved too much; and practicing the user&#39;s golf swing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a golf swing training apparatuses and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for positioning and stabilizing the head of the golfer during the golf swing.

BACKGROUND

Enthusiasts, as well as professional instructors of the game of golf, unanimously agree that one of the most pressing problems faced in mastering the game is the ability to keep one's head stabilized and in proper position during a full golf swing. By stabilizing and maintaining the proper positioning of the head, the golfer is more likely to swing the club on the proper path during the golf swing. This allows the golfer to become more consistent in their shot making. If the head is improperly lifted or changes positions, as is often the case, the execution of the swing is bound to be faulty. Inconsistent and errant shots are the result. Although it is necessary to stabilize and maintain the proper position of the head during the golf swing, it is important for the body and head of the golfer to cooperate in a natural manner. Although the head should remain focused on the golf ball during the golf swing, there should not be any restrictions on the movement of the body during the golf swing. However, it is often difficult to determine whether the head is actually moving during the golf swing or whether the body has caused the head to move during the golf swing. It is also important, during golf swings that the head is in the same position with reference to the ball during the beginning of each golf swing and upon impact with the ball.

Thus there is a need for a golf swing training apparatus and method that overcomes the above listed and other disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a golf swing training apparatus comprising: a first attachment means; a first cord with a first end and a second end, the first end of the first cord attached to the first attachment means; a bite piece attached to the second end of the first cord; a first releasable connector attached to the second end of the first cord; a second releasable connector configured to releasably attach to the first releasable connector; a second cord, with a first end and a second end, the first end of the second cord attached to the second releasable connector; a retractable and extendible cord attached to the second end of the second cord; a lockable retractor in operable communication with the retractable and extendible cord; a second attachment means attached to the lockable retractor.

The invention also relates to a method of using a golf swing training apparatus, the method comprising: attaching a first attachment means to a user's shirt; attaching a second attachment means to the user's waistband or belt; biting down on the bite piece; connecting a first releasable connector to a second releasable connector; adjusting the length of a first cord and a second cord so that golf swing training apparatus is at a proper tautness so that if the user's head moves excessively during a golf swing the first and second releasable connectors disconnect, thereby indicating to the user that his or her head moved too much; and practicing the user's golf swing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood by those skilled in the pertinent art by referencing the accompanying drawings, where like elements are numbered alike in the several figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the golf swing training apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a close up view of the second cord of the golf swing training apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a close up view of the bite piece from the golf swing training apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a close up view of the first releasable connector and the second releasable connector;

FIG. 5 is a close up view of the bite piece and the first releasable connector;

FIG. 6 is a close up view of the first attachment means;

FIG. 7 is a view of a user biting down on the bite piece;

FIG. 8 is a view of a user with the retractor attached to his belt;

FIG. 9 is a view of a user using the golf swing training apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a view of user using the golf swing training apparatus and disconnecting the first releasable connector and the second releasable connector;

FIG. 11 is a view of a container;

FIG. 12 is a view of the container from FIG. 11, taken apart; and

FIG. 13 is a flowchart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a top view of the golf swing training apparatus 10. The golf swing training apparatus 10 comprises a first attachment means 14; the first attachment means 14 is attached to a first end 16 of a first cord 18. The first cord 18 is attached to a bite piece 22 at a second end 20 of the first cord 18. Also attached to the second end 20 is a first releasable connector 26. A second releasable connector 30 is attached to a second cord 34 at the first end 32 of the second cord 34. A retractable and extendible cord 38 is attached to the second end 36 of the second cord 34. The retractable and extendible cord 38 is attached to a retractor 42. The retractor 42 may be locked keeping the retractable and extendible cord 38 at one length, until the retractor is unlocked. Attached to the retractor is a second attachment means 46. In one embodiment, the first releasable connector 26 and second releasable connector 30 may be connected to their respective cords 18, 34 via a first connector line 50, and a second connector line 54 respectively. In other embodiments, the first releasable connector 26 and second releasable connector 30 may be directly connected to their respective cords 18, 34. The cords 18, 34 may be adjustable in length using any of a variety of means, including but not limited to buckles, snaps, hook and loop, etc. The first connector line 50 and second connector line 54 may be adjustable in length using any of a variety of means, including but not limited to buckles, snaps, hook and loop, etc.

FIG. 2 is a close up top view of the second cord 34.

FIG. 3 is a close up view of the bite piece 22.

FIG. 4 is a close up view of the first releasable connector 26 and second releasable connector 30. In one embodiment, the release connectors may connect to each other via magnets 58. In other embodiments, the connectors 26, 30 may releasably connect to each other via any suitable attachment means, including but not limited to: hook and loop; snaps, interference fit, etc.

FIG. 5 is a close up view of the first cord 18, bite piece 22, and first releasable connector 26.

FIG. 6 is a close up view of the first attachment means 14. In one embodiment, the first attachment means 14 and second attachment means 46 may be alligator clips. In other embodiments, the first and second attachment means may be any suitable attachment means including but not limited to: hook and loop, clips, magnetic attachment means, etc.

FIG. 7 is a view of a user 58 using the golf swing training apparatus 10. The user is biting the bite piece 22. The first attachment means 14 is attached to the user's shirt 62. The first releasable connector 26 and second releasable connector 30 are attached to each other. The second releasable connector 30 is connected to the second connector line 54. In the next figure, the second connector line 54 is attached to the second cord 34 which is attached to retractable and extendible cord 38, and then the retractor 42, and the second attachment means 46. The second attachment means 46 is attached to the user's waistband or belt, shown in the next Figure.

FIG. 8 shows the retractable and extendible cord 38 attached to the retractor 42, and the second attachment means 46 is attached to the user's waistband or belt 66.

FIG. 9 shows the user 58 with the golf swing training apparatus 10. The bite piece 22 is in his mouth, the first releasable connector 26 and second releasable connector 30 are magnetically attached to each other. The first cord is attached to the user's shirt 62 via the first attachment means 14. The retractor 42 is attached to the user's waistband or belt 66 via the second attachment means 46. One can see that there is tension between the user's bite piece 22, the first connector line 50, the first releasable connector 26, the second release connector 30, the second connector line 54, the second cord 34, the retractable and extendible cord 38, and the retractor 42. If too much tension is applied to bite piece 22, the first connector line 50, the first releasable connector 26, the second releasable connector 30, the second connector line 54, the second cord 34, the retractable and extendible cord 38, and the retractor 42, then the first releasable connector 26 will separate from the second releasable connector 30. Too much tension may be applied if the user moves his head excessively during the golf swing, such as by lifting or turning his head. If the first releasable connector 26 separates from the second releasable connector 30, the user will know that he or she moved his head too much. Then the user 58 can reattach the first releasable connector 26 to the second releasable connector 30 and try his golf swing again, without moving his head, thereby keeping the first releasable connector 26 connected to the second releasable connector 30. This will train the user 58 to keep his head still during his golf swing. In addition, the first attachment means 14 and first cord 18 will prevent the user from turning his head too much, or else the first releasable connector 26 will separate from the second releasable connector 30.

FIG. 10 shows the first releasable connector 26 separated from the second releasable connector 30 due to excessive head movement of the user 58.

FIG. 11 shows a holder 70 for the golf swing training apparatus 10. The holder comprises a golf ball shaped container 74 attached to a clip 78.

FIG. 12 shows the container 74 opened up into two halves 82, 86. The golf swing training apparatus 10 can fit into the interior of the two halves 82, 86, and then the two halves 82, 86 may be closed (by an interference fit in one embodiment) to re-form the golf ball shaped container 74.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating one method of using the golf swing training apparatus 10. At act 300 the user attaches the first attachment means to his or her shirt. At act 304 the user attaches the second attachment means to his or her waistband or belt. At act 308 the user bites down on the bite piece. At act 312 the user connects the first and second releasable connectors to each other. At act 316 the user adjusts the length of the first and second cords so that golf swing training apparatus is at proper tautness so that if the user's head moves excessively during the golf swing the first and second releasable connectors disconnect, thereby indicating to the user that his or her head moved too much. At act 320, the user practices his or her golf swing.

This invention has many advantages. The golf swing training apparatus is light weight, and easy to carry in a pocket, or using the disclosed container. The golf swing training apparatus alerts the user when his or her head moves too much during a golf swing by having the first releasable connector 26 separates from the second releasable connector 30. The golf swing training apparatus is adjustable to fit different sized users.

It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like may be used herein to modify elements performing similar and/or analogous functions. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated. While the disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf swing training apparatus comprising: a first attachment means; a first cord with a first end and a second end, the first end of the first cord attached to the first attachment means; a bite piece attached to the second end of the first cord; a first releasable connector attached to the second end of the first cord; a second releasable connector configured to releasably attach to the first releasable connector; a second cord, with a first end and a second end, the first end of the second cord attached to the second releasable connector; a retractable and extendible cord attached to the second end of the second cord; a lockable retractor in operable communication with the retractable and extendible cord; a second attachment means attached to the lockable retractor.
 2. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first attachment means is configured to removably attach to a user's shirt, and wherein the second attachment means is configured to removably attach to a user's waistband or belt.
 3. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1 where the first cord is adjustable by length.
 4. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1 where the second cord is adjustable by length.
 5. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first releasable connector and second releasable connector will separate from each other when being worn by a user, if the user's head moves excessively during a golf swing.
 6. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first attachment means is configured to be attached to a user's shirt; wherein the second attachment means is configured to be attached to the user's waistband or belt, wherein the first cord and second cord are adjusted in length so that when the user assumes a golf swing stance, the first releasable connector and first releasable connector are attached to each other, and the first cord and second cord are at the proper tension such that if the user excessively moves his head during a golf swing, the first releasable connector and first releasable connector will separate, thereby indicating that the user excessively moved his head.
 7. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a container configured to hold the first attachment means, the first cord, the bite piece, the first releasable connector, the second releasable connector, the second cord, the retractable and extendible cord, and the lockable retractor.
 8. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 7, wherein the container looks like a dimpled golf ball.
 9. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 7, wherein the container is attached to a clip.
 10. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 8 wherein the container can separate into two hemispherical shapes, the two hemispherical shapes can attach to each other via an interference fit.
 11. A method of using a golf swing training apparatus, the method comprising: attaching a first attachment means to a user's shirt; attaching a second attachment means to the user's waistband or belt; biting down on the bite piece; connecting a first releasable connector to a second releasable connector; adjusting the length of a first cord and a second cord so that golf swing training apparatus is at a proper tautness so that if the user's head moves excessively during a golf swing the first and second releasable connectors disconnect, thereby indicating to the user that his or her head moved too much; and practicing the user's golf swing. 